On Sept. 6, Chicago rapper G Herbo released his sixth studio album, Big Swerv. To commemorate this occasion, sparkling rose company Luc Belaire sponsored a private listening party in Chicago the same day the album dropped. Some of Chicago’s brightest talent was in the building to support, including Chance the Rapper, Mello Buckzz, OG Stevo, and Kashh Mir. A rotating group of three DJs, including Evie the Cool, played songs from G Herbo’s catalog, as well as songs from the new album.
Attendees enjoyed an open bar, and bought new G Herbo merch including T-shirts, sweatpants, shorts and hats. Fellow Chicago rapper Vic Mensa’s 93 Boyz marijuana brand also gave out some free samples, adding a smoke bus to accommodate the smokers. And y’all, there was a buffet! It’s safe to say Big Swerv covered all bases for the roll out of his new album.
Once the venue was almost completely filled, Herb entered the room, and took the stage for a sit down interview with Chicago’s DJ Hot Rod, a radio personality on WGCI.
“I’m excited. It feels like there’s a weight off my shoulder,” Herb told the crowd. “I’m just happy to get back to work because I feel like I went on a hiatus for like a year, sorting certain issues out and getting my life together.”
In 2020, Herb and five others were charged in a federal grand jury indictment accusing them of involvement in a fraud scheme that allegedly led to the purchase of private jet charters, lavish car rentals, designer puppies and more with stolen payment and credit card information.
During the summer of 2023, Herb, born Herbert Wright III, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud and making a false statement to a federal official. He was later sentenced in 2024 to three years’ probation and was ordered to pay $139,878 in restitution and a $5,500 fine.
With these charges now behind him, Herb expressed how he can now enjoy his life and the career he’s built over the years. He’s been rapping since 2011, when he was 16 years old.
“This is one of the albums where I just want to have fun and be a star, live like a star and think like a star and feel like a star. So that’s what Big Swerv is to me,” Herbo said.
On the album cover, he’s making a bold statement with imagery of him iced out and sitting on top of the world.
“That’s what Big Swerv is to me. Just being on top of the world and having the resources to do what I want to do when I want to do it and not taking no for an answer,” he added. “It took me over a decade to get where I am today, so I feel like the world is in the palms of my hands.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper discussion if Hot Rod didn’t mention everybody’s favorite adopted nephew, G Herbo’s son, Yosohn. G Herbo’s first son has gained a lot of popularity for his bubbly personality and charm over the years. The two are often seen together on social media, hanging out and enjoying each other’s company. While making this album, Herb said Yosohn was present throughout the entire process.
“He wanna be a part of everything I do,” Herb said. “He was really with me through the process in the studio. I really had him in the studio, 1:00 a.m., 2:00 a.m. in the morning. He really wanted to be there,” Herb told everyone.
The album, Big Swerv, features some of the hottest names in hip hop today, such as Chief Keef, Sexyy Red, 21 Savage, Skilla Baby, Rob49 and more. When asked about the thought process behind his feature selections, he said, “It was really me going back to the drawing board and having fun with my music. I got to a point where I don’t really think too hard about it.”
Herb also added, “I just like having fun in the studio and creating good music with the people that’s around me.”
It was noticeable that Herb was in high spirits and his energy was positive. He was excited about the future and the chance to put his past legal trouble behind him.
“I’m just trying to stay and live in this energy I have right now. Just have fun with the music,” he said.
While fans are happy to see a new project from the “Humble Beast,” in true G Herbo fashion, he’s planning on dropping again in 2024.
“I’m dropping again on Oct 4. Four days from my birthday,” he announced to the crowd.
Not only that, but after years of fighting legal battles, Herb also shared that he just got his U.S. passport back and will be going on a world tour soon, including a European leg of the tour.
Before stepping off the stage, Herb addressed the room for a last time. “Excuse my language man, but ain’t nobody f*ckin with us, for real. Y’all know from Chicago, we wear a lot on our shoulders and I feel like that makes us strong and it makes us able to conquer the world,” he said.
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